Reaction is starting to pour in over President Obama’s announcement that U.S. military agents killed Osama Bin Laden. You can watch President Obama’s speech here.

Here’s a statement from Tim Pawlenty, who is running against Obama in 2012:

“This is terrific news for freedom and justice. In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush promised that America would bring Osama bin Laden to justice — and we did. I want to congratulate America’s armed forces and President Obama for a job well done. Let history show that the perseverance of the US military and the American people never wavered. America will never shrink from the fight and ultimately those who seek to harm us face only defeat. Today, justice is done, but the fight against radical Islamic terrorism is not yet over.”

Note that Pawlenty mentioned President Obama in his written statement. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann, who is also mulling a run for the White House, did not mention Obama in her statement:

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. military and intelligence community. Their persistence and dedicated service has yielded success in a mission that has gripped our nation since the terrible events of 9/11. Tonight’s news does not bring back the lives of the thousands of innocent people who were killed that day by Osama Bin Laden’s horrific plan, and it does not end the threat posed by terrorists, but it is my hope that this is the beginning of the end of Sharia-compliant terrorism.”

Here’s a statement from GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen:

“The news that American forces have killed Osama bin Laden marks a significant achievement in the fight against terrorism. I want to thank the countless American soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, intelligence officials, as well as their families, for their tireless efforts in protecting our country.”

I’ll post additional statements if/when they come in.

Update: Here’s a statement from DFL Rep. Tim Walz:

“Tonight, my thoughts are most with our brave men and women in uniform. Their perseverance, sacrifice and courage is nothing short of remarkable. We have them to thank for this moment of justice.

America still has enemies around the world, and so, we will stay vigilant. But tonight ends a dark chapter in our history. May we always honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11th and keep our thoughts and prayers with their families. And let us always remember moments like tonight when our country can come together as one.”

Here’s a statement from DFL Sen. Al Franken:

“This is a great day. I think every American feels very emotional about what happened in Pakistan today. Our hearts are full of pride and gratitude for all those responsible for bringing Osama bin Laden to justice, with sadness as we remember that horrific day ten years ago, and with hope as we go forward in our fight against radical jihadism. I think the president was wise to remind us of how unified we felt as a nation after 9/11 and how we can achieve anything we put our mind to if we work together. “

About the blogger

Tom Scheck has covered politics and state government for more than ten years for MPR News. He’s covered several gubernatorial campaigns, two statewide recounts, the presidential bids of Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate races, close Congressional contests and the Minnesota Legislature. He lives in Falcon Heights with his wife, son and dog. He can sometimes be found chasing a white ball on a golf course. It isn’t a straight walk. Tips are welcome at tscheck@mpr.org

Related Blog Posts

While to am grateful to the men and women who selflessly serve this country and carried out this mission, in response to Rep. Walz and others who are announcing the “end of a dark chapter in our history,” it’s most likely only the end of a chapter, not the end of the story. America does have enemies, and now’s the time to be more vigilant than ever.

David

While I too am grateful to the men and women who selflessly serve this country and carried out this mission, in response to Rep. Walz and others who are announcing the “end of a dark chapter in our history,” it’s most likely only the end of a chapter, not the end of the story. America does have enemies, and now’s the time to be more vigilant than ever.

Robin

Tom Scheck –

Why did you feel it necessary to state that Michele Bachmann did not mention Obama, by name, in her statement, while Pawlenty did?

Adding that off-hand, candid observation (which, intentionally or no, does imply that Bachmann does not credit the president, or perhaps that she does not respect him) is self-serving and pushing an agenda upon your readers. You made NO remarks regarding the other statements listed here, and the same should have gone for her’s.

The job of the news is to report the facts as they are, then step back and allow readers to interpret and discuss as they wish. Leave your personal agendas and views at the doorstep when you enter the workplace. That one small, unnecessary phrase discredits you and raises question about your intentions, as well as the intentions of your news agency.